Do people steal ideas?

Hello,

I'm about to commence my dissertation for my masters in urban planning, and I have a lot of ideas, but I plan to discuss them with colleagues, other students, and academics before I decide on one topic.

How common is it that a good research idea gets stolen? And should I share my ideas freely? or should I consider taking some precautions?

Can't say I've ever heard of this happening. Most people have a pretty good idea of what they want to study themselves and aren't inclined to take someone's idea. The only time I can see this realistically happening is if two people were already leaning toward the same topic to begin with. Even then, there's likely going to be enough differences in the research design that the projects will be different.

haven't experienced this exact scenario, but IDEAS DO GET STOLEN. Effort is stolen, ideas are stolen, hard work is stolen, by posers who get by on charisma alone. Watch your back, it has happened, in school as well as the work place.